Common problems /weak spots on classics

Capri

Apart from rust, which is usually visible to some degree, we all know of 'commom problems' that beset any car, be it newer or classic.:(

I'm just reading about a DB5,leaking p/s rack is common and to get the valves set will set you back €1000 :eek:

As for Rollers - http://www.robisonservice.com/servicedep/rolls_info.asp

Kevin_Herron

The DB5 was never available with power steering.
It became an option with the DB6.

The Big Red Fella

Fiat twincam 8 valve setting valve clearences, these are shimmed special tools & box of different shim sizes needed expensive !!

ben9195

If my memory serves me right Triumph Heralds and Vitesses also needed shims,a vernier gauge and a feeler gauge to adjust the valve clearances.

swarlb

The Big Red Fella wrote: »

Fiat twincam 8 valve setting valve clearences, these are shimmed special tools & box of different shim sizes needed expensive !!

This might be an issue now, with unavailability of parts or the knowledge to do the work. But at the time it was not a big deal. The engines ran very well with proper servicing and rarely need shims to be changed. And even if they did, it was quite a simple job. It was hardly a 'common fault', no different than changing a set of points. Dealerships of the time would have had a stock of shims in the workshop, and usually just swapped shims as needed. Old worn shims were still just as useful as new ones.
The problem was more with the 'bucket' the shim sat in, which, over time would develop a 'high spot' from the tip of the valve.
A more expensive option was when they replaced the shims with hydraulic tappets, which made more noise, and were more expensive to replace when failure occurred.

w124man

The Imp had shims which were a complete pain in the h**e to get right. I think it was the Leyland E6 engine which had shims of similar diameter but needed a lick on a surface grinder as they were way too thick

Kevin_Herron

Shims have become expensive to buy. The last set I bought were approx £3 Sterling each.

As mentoned early on in the link in the original post, the Rolls Royce problems, the huge problem with these cars is owner neglect.

I feel that all Rolls Royces built until the Silver Cloud were very well built cars.
With the introduction of the Silver Shadow, whilst very technically advanced for its time, led to lots of problems down the road with its brake/suspension set up that owners were not prepared to pay to have put right properly.
The Shadows were also plagued with electric problems of all types.

Having said all that, there is nothing better to drive than a properly sorted one.